Ajax open their Champions League campaign against Inter Milan with an old-school European rivalry thrown back into the spotlight.
John Heitinga’s return to the Ajax dugout has steadied the ship after last season’s collapse, with his side unbeaten so far in 2025-26. They’ve looked sharp at home, scoring freely and rediscovering some of their swagger, but the big test comes now. Since their 2019 semifinal run, Ajax have mostly stumbled in this competition, and facing last year’s runners-up is hardly the ideal way to start.
Inter arrive in Amsterdam with the bruises of a rough fortnight still fresh, having lost back-to-back games in Serie A, including a chaotic 4-3 defeat to Juventus. Cristian Chivu’s side are still figuring out life under a new head coach, but the squad remains stacked with firepower and experience at this level.
The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of this game, including how to watch the match, kickoff times, and the latest lineup news.
Ajax vs. Inter Milan live stream, TV channel
Here’s how to watch this Champions League match in the U.S.:
TV channel: CBS Sports Network
Live stream: Paramount+, Fubo
This game is available for live TV broadcast on CBS. Streaming options are available on Paramount+ and Fubo, which offer free trials to their subscribers.
Paramount+ offers on the go streaming service beyond one sport. In addition to football, Paramount+ gives subscribers the ability to watch basketball, golf, and soccer with UFC on the way in 2026, and they won’t have to break the bank in order to follow along with the latest sporting events.
Paramount+ is currently offering a free trial. New subscribers can enjoy Paramount+ for one week before making a payment.
What time does Ajax vs. Inter Milan kick off?
This Champions League clash takes place at the John Cruyff Arena in Amsterdam, Netherlands and kicks off on Wednesday, September 17 at 9 p.m. local time.
Here’s how that time translates across the U.S.:
| Date | Kickoff time | |
| Eastern Time | Wed, Sep. 17 | 3:00 p.m. |
| Central Time | Wed, Sep. 17 | 2:00 p.m. |
| Mountain Time | Wed, Sep. 17 | 1:00 p.m. |
| Pacific Time | Wed, Sep. 17 | 12:00 p.m. |
Ajax vs. Inter Milan lineups, team news
John Heitinga has close to a clean bill of health, with only Branco van den Boomen sidelined as he continues his recovery from a back issue.
The hosts are expected to lean on the in-form Mika Godts, who struck twice at the weekend, alongside Wout Weghorst in attack, while Steven Berghuis adds experience to the front line.
Kenneth Taylor, fresh off a 15-goal season, anchors midfield with summer arrival Oscar Gloukh, whose Champions League pedigree from Salzburg could prove valuable.
Ajax predicted XI (4-3-3, right to left): Jaros (GK) — Gaaei, Itakura, Baas, Wijndal — Regeer, Taylor, Klaassen — Berghuis, Weghorst, Godts.
Injured: van den Boomen
Suspended: None.
Inter, by contrast, arrive in Amsterdam with a fully fit squad, boosted by new additions. Manuel Akanji, fresh off a derby debut against Juventus, strengthens their defensive options.
Petar Sucic, Andy Diouf and Ange-Yoan Bonny provide fresh energy across the pitch if Cristian Chivu opts to shuffle his lineup.
Up top, Marcus Thuram has already opened his Serie A account with three goals, and he’ll partner Lautaro Martinez, last year’s Champions League talisman who hit nine goals on Inter’s road to the final.
Inter Milan predicted XI (3-5-2 right to left): Sommer (GK) — Akanji, Acerbi, Bastoni — Dumfries, Barella, Calhanoglu, Sucic, Dimarco — Thuram, Martinez.
Injured: None.
Suspended: None.
Champions League fixture schedule this week
All times ET
Wednesday, September 17
- Olympiakos Piraeus vs. Pafos (12:45 p.m.)
- Slavia Prague vs. Bodø/Glimt (12:45 p.m.)
- Ajax vs. Inter Milan (3:00 p.m.)
- Bayern Munich vs. Chelsea (3:00 p.m.)
- Liverpool vs. Atlético Madrid (3:00 p.m.)
- PSG vs. Atalanta (3:00 p.m.)
Thursday, September 18
- Club Brugge vs. Monaco (12:45 p.m.)
- København vs. Bayer Leverkusen (12:45 p.m.)
- Eintracht Frankfurt vs. Galatasaray (3:00 p.m.)
- Manchester City vs. Napoli (3:00 p.m.)
- Newcastle United vs. Barcelona (3:00 p.m.)
- Sporting CP vs. Kairat (3:00 p.m.)
